Faubion,
Kathy
Hahn,
J. (2017). The internet of things: Mobile technology and location services in
libraries Library Technology Reports, 53(1), 5-28. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.5860/ltr.53n1
Descriptive
Summary: The first chapter of this article concentrates on defining the Internet
of Things (IoT). Current technology allows for networks of information,
physical items, and data connections within the library, but the IoT is
difficult to catalog, search, and access.
Libraries have to find a way to harness all this information and make it
findable for library users. As demand for technology-based services increases,
libraries have to supply the needs in a reliable manner. IoT goes beyond the
use of computers or mobile devices to access information. It includes the small,
smart devices which can gather immediate data in an environment and process the
information to create data/information for a given situation, such as when a
patron is gathering information on a particular topic in the library. Devices
which can analyze data about what is in the physical collection as well as
connect and network with electronic resources and databases can compile
resources to fill the patron’s information need. The second chapter concentrates on how libraries
can use Bluetooth (or other mobile) technology to interface with the IoT using
apps to facilitate. As wearable technology and augmented experience evolves, it
will be possible to incorporate these new technologies as well and even save
gathered data to the cloud. Beacon, an example of Bluetooth low energy, can
already be used to help locate information resources in a library. The
information which is gathered can also be of use to the librarian. It can help them see how patrons are using
the physical spaces of the library, and what connections are being made
there. This is turn can be of great use
in collection and connection development. The idea is that as the patron walks
into the library, they are directed by their mobile device to the area of information
interest using Bluetooth beacons and given electronic resources to augment the
physical collection based on physical location. This is the way to use IoT
technology to fill the information need. The third chapter explores a variety
of technology and apps which can be used in concert with beacons. Near Field
Communications (NFC) can be used to create “smart” objects or displays. For example, a display of part of a special
collection that is frequently used, which would be determined by the number of
patrons using that part of the collection. Data could be gathered every time a
patron used their device to locate part of the collection. MySQL and Raspberry
pi are discussed as platforms for IoT projects as a way to save collected
database information. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are also
discussed as a way to document location and inventory use. IndoorAtlas is a
platform to map location within a building. Project Tango Tablet is a way to
map indoor positioning. Beaconstac actually allows for identification of patron’s
library account and position in the library, and recommendations can be made
based upon prior searches. The last
chapter talks about privacy and security. The study was specific as to the
problems which need to be ironed out for use of the technology. The security of
the Estimote beacon system in the library can be at risk when there are many
third-party users connecting. The need for many intermediary interfaces (Middleware)
to access and compile information means potential breaches. Also, anytime location-based
technology on someone’s personal device is used, data points are created. Since
the beacons are tracking patrons movements, a hacker could in theory find out a
great deal of personal information based on this data. Even though libraries
would find it useful to collect data on reading preferences and materials used,
this would be linked back to individual accounts and devices. Privacy is a huge
concern here. The article suggests keeping collected data from third party
usage or deleting data after a period of time.
Also, patrons need to be aware of privacy risks and policies.
Evaluation: I imagine a scenario
where I walk into my public library using my smart phone and Bluetooth. I am
looking for information on snakes. Location-based Wayfinder app technology using
beacons directs me to the proper place in the library where I can find physical
books on the topic, but my smart phone Minrva app also accesses pertinent
digital resources on the same topic from the library databases and Overdrive
ebooks. I could also use NFC technology and the study buddy app to find other
folks who are also interested in the study of snakes so we could meet and
collaborate, maybe at an upcoming reptile enthusiast event. In other words, my
information need (snakes) is met using all the connections and collections the
library has available, tailored to my search. Furthermore, my search can be
saved using my library account for future recommendations (do I want to
research lizards next?) and also the compiled data of my search can be used to
evaluate the collection of the library.
In other words, if several people are doing research on snakes at the
library, this means the library may want to invest in more collection and
connection materials on this topic. However, I feel many patrons would want to
know how much personal search data was being collected and who would have
access to that data? Like most technology, I had to try to wrap my brain around
how it works, but I see this as the future of the library: A personalized seamless
meld of physical and digital resources.
Keywords: Internet of things, mobile technology, location-based technology
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